Those lingering items you're just not sure what to do with...

I am in a few online forums that discuss minimalism.

I've noticed a huge trend in newbies to berate themselves up for accumulating. That is wasted energy.

However, I admit to having a few items loitering that should have moved down the road years ago. Here is a list I've used for putting items in hands that will use them:

Schools: working pens, pencils, notebook paper, file folders, post it notes, scissors, zip lock bags, used crayons, ANY TYPE of storage tubs no longer needed (gallon ice cream tubs, margarine tubs, to 15 gallon plastic tubs for storage, etc.), binders, back packs, pen bags, . Art teachers love L-3XL button up shirts and old magazines. Coaches can always use sports equipment. Counselors will take CLEAN clothing, shoes, and unused toiletries for students who might be in a temporary transition (moved to a safe shelter or a family who lost a house in a fire).

Animal Shelters: office supplies (they often have little to no budget for paper and pens), blankets (not crocheted or knitted as animals tend to chew them), collars, leashes, brushes, toys, cages, kennels, and carriers.

Libraries: pre-cut scratch paper, DVDs in original cases, CDs and Books on CD in original cases. My library has "TAKE ONE, LEAVE ONE" mini libraries all over town. You can always drop off a handful in one of those locations. Empty DVD cases, empty CD cases, Some children's programs will have Library Kits which are centered around a theme and can use small toys associated with a theme, such as butterflies. It might have a book on CD, 5 regular books, a butterfly puppet, butterfly stamps, a magnifying glass for children to go out and explore their own backyard.

Pregnancy Aide and Adoption Centers: Many of these non-profits might not take great-conditioned toys, clothing, or furniture, but they know of places to send you. Many children are in foster care and need basic necessities. What a wonderful gift to not only the children themselves, but the caregivers who are overseeing the physical, emotional, and social needs of these precious ones.

Women's shelters (accepted items can vary, please check with your local non-profit): clothing and shoes for all ages and sizes, baby items (from newborn to toddler), unused toiletries, furniture for safe houses.

Churches: Bibles, religious sheet music, musical equipment, furniture, specialty items used in their nursery or youth groups (toys, sports equipment, and see the school list above).

Food Banks: Edible canned and boxed food. Some food banks will accept expired food, while others will not. If you have a surplus of food, household items (tissues, toilet paper, cleaners, etc.), or toiletries, a local church might be a great resource to get your overstock into hands of a person who needs it for dinner tonight.

Senior Citizen Center: Many centers can use newer technology such as computers, laptops, and printers. Some may still use VHS tapes and family friendly movies, documentaries, and aerobics videos. They often have libraries, play games (from bingo to ping pong), enjoy puzzles, and many have dinning halls so they could use kitchen items. Some might have garden centers or tool shops. Contact your local center to see what items would be welcomed and used.

Scouting, Campfire and Trail Life USA Troops: Each troupe might be looking for specific items, but we have handed off patches, uniforms, camping equipment (from cooking utensils and tents to sleeping bags and cots), guide books, medicine kits, and outdoor furniture.

Here are some harder to re-locate items:

Used toiletries and perfumes can be accepted by resale or thrift shops.

Chemicals, old construction materials, tires, electronics: Contact your local sanitation department. They will accept many items and can offer information for doing so safely.

Wedding gowns: Angel Gowns is a program where wedding dresses are fashioned for deceased infants. Check your local NIC unit for information to contact--and perhaps this would be a great volunteer opportunity for some of our seamstresses!

Antiques: Auction houses will take as much or as little as you have to offer and will take a straight percentage of the sale. Call 3-5 dealers to get payment fees and don't be afraid to ask for references.

Furniture: Post pictures on your social media pages with a simple advert and to have friends of friends contact you. Also, contact your local library, school, women's shelter, pregnancy aide center, and senior citizen center for specific items. With items that are more beat up, my all-time favorite is what I call Redneck Recycling. Place items on your curb with a sign that says FREE or TAKE ME.

Broken machinery, motors, and non-working appliances & parts: Local businesses will often take items to use for parts. They can resell the items or refurbish appliances to re-sell.

What is one item you can now re-home?

Composting

I've been away for a time because I am exploring a career change.

Also, I'm looking at what's truly important.

Although I have not been highly productive (either in terms of accomplishing tasks or continuing to downsize), my brain feels alive with creative possibilities. 

Thus sparking a blazing fire of hope.

And I'm honoring my time for thoughtful composting.

The most interesting recent realization minimalism has had on me is that I'm becoming much more deliberate in choosing my entertainments.

What is a recent realization you've made since your home is serene and you can focus on creating a life worth living? 

Minimalism isn't a Magic Wand--Shuckydarn!

The clutter is gone. 

Yet, your eye keeps twitching because you should be doing something. 

Sorting. Purging. Recycling. Selling.

However, it's all done.

You feel as if you're free-falling your way to crazy town.

Life, despite being a minimalist, isn't as sparkly as you'd imagined.

It's time to relax and to realistically look at your world.

First, your house will not magically stay clean. You'll still need to disinfect, pick up stray items, and wash laundry.

Take time to grieve. (I took a good three months. You might need more or less--be gentle with yourself!)

Accept your situation. My husband simply wants more items in our house than I do. This is okay. I want us both to be comfortable in our home. However, it took me a good six months to reconcile my fantasy of minimalism to the reality of my version of minimalism. 

Second, your decor might not presently match your ideal. I kept looking at my home and comparing it to a bachelor's white bedroom. Or, I'd gaze at a world traveler's sole backpack and imagine the utter freedom.

Yet, I know in my heart, I will never be able to carry all I own in a single pack.

Inhale, hold, and slowly exhale. It may take you a bit longer to truly make your home the haven of dreams. And in the meantime, enjoy the empty space!

***WARNING: Please do not fall into the trap of minimalist marketing. Advertisers and companies are aware of our movement and are offering items that are sleek, sexy, and simplistic in design. In short, they are trying to sell minimalism. Don't play their games. Use what you have now, especially if you're on a budget. Painting a room will create the most impact, so if you wish to go from a neon green to a beige, spend your money on that first (so your eye will stop twitching) and worry about updating furniture later.***

Third, what specifically is missing from your minimalist fantasy?

Is your current position at work really meeting YOUR needs? Many people only consider the financial aspect of employment. Are you filled spiritually, emotionally, and know you're contributing positively to society?

What about your relationships? Is there a person in your life who drains your energy? Can you gracefully see them less? Is a flame still burning for your significant other? Do you owe a family member an apology from years ago?

Sometimes, we let tiny resentments build up into huge monsters. And we allow that monster to eat away at our mental energy when instead we can toss the monster to the curb and focus on today. 

How can we clear out our mental clutter?

Perhaps we need to dust off the cob webs of forgiveness, let go of past regrets , and use logic to eradicate our worries. Take a hot bath or go for a run while spending time in self-reflection. 

Where do you direct your thoughts throughout the day? Do you spend time picturing a wonderful future, or do trivial worries rob you of the joy of the present moment, which is always flitting away into the future?

You might realize the objects in your life were used to fill a void caused my some past pain, and you may need to seek the help of a pastor or counselor. These professionals are trained in teaching you tools which will help you look at a past situation differently or reclaim your own personal power. Seeking help is a responsible decision to propel you forward to your destiny of owning your own business or winning a Grammy.

Free time. You'll be surprised at what you'll uncover buried in the depths of your heart. Below the jealousy of a colleague, you'll discover a fear of failure. Digging even more, you find a talent you had 15 years ago, and when you practice/tinker at it (be it playing a guitar to building your own robot), you'll realize you're better than you thought. (Or perhaps some intense re-learning will bring you up to speed). 

Play. Tinker. Enjoy the new freedom that minimalism provides.

I'm using mental minimalism to reconnect with the real me.

And I'm having a blast!

Please share discoveries you've learned about yourself in the comments below. Let's all build up one another, so we can all flourish.

Dusting Off Passions

Now that I no longer shop for fun or sell off clutter, I have a good extra two hours of my day back. Quadruple that time during the weekends.

Ever since I was a girl, putting pen to paper has been my hobby. Whether it's drawing, writing, or doodling, that connection is something mystical I can't explain.

It's just there.

However, instead of journaling or drawing, I fell into a trap of collecting and buying planners. To use, of course. Get my life together. Gorgeous rare leather beauties which would hold my most revered desires. 

The problem? I spent too much time oogling others' word shrines and not making my own!

A slight financial hiccup fairly recently made me face facts--I needed the money much more than the planners. I sold all of them (except one, which I will tackle during Spring Break). But the truth is I wasn't USING them.

Seeing them get packaged up and sent off brought such a sense of relief to me. I didn't have to worry about getting an ink stain on them or having them damaged in my bag. I relish in the free space they once occupied. I'll admit, I found two new binders at the thrift store which aren't nearly as fancy, but they work. And if I need to replace them, for less than $5 and a few trips to various thrift stores, I'd find something suitable. 

But during that initial selling phase, I was sad. I needed to emote. Enter pen and paper. Once my hand was able to crank out all my jumbly, tumbly thoughts, my life has a sense of calm, peace, and a new clarity has arisen which stalking other's Instagram accounts never gifted me.

Now that all of your clutter is gone, what former passion are you ready light and stoke the flames?

Welcome

I'm Jane and I'm a minimalist.

About 2 years ago, I found the sacred point of owning 'enough.'

And it felt like I'd fallen off a cliff! I didn't know what to do with my free time. I wasn't decluttering, organizing, or selling. I slipped back into a few bad habits, but now I'm back to having what I need.

I'm a minimalist!

So...now what? Great question! Join me here as I ponder what's next in my minimalist journey. If you're on this road, let's help one another!